Joseph G. DeMaria
August 8, 1928 - February 22, 2023

"My father kept his golf clubs in the garage, with the golf bag standing up and with the woods and irons leaning against the concrete wall. Whether there were different colored leaves on the ground in the fall, whether there was a half a foot of snow on the driveway in the winter, whether everything was wet in the spring, or whether it was truly summertime and golf season, the kids in our family could always count on those golf clubs (or other sets of golf clubs) leaning against the wall in the garage. Through family graduations, weddings, and other celebrations, and through family problems and even tragedies, those golf clubs were there. Throughout the entire Vietnam War, Watergate scandal, both Reagan administrations and on, you could find those golf clubs leaning against the concrete wall. Yes, my father was a golfer, but not a very good one. In fact, he was a very bad golfer, and at times he was a terrible golfer. Depending on how you look at it, it was either funny or sad when my father asked me to go out at night to the garage and clean his clubs for his next day?s golf outing with other lawyers. Sometimes there would be new clubs in the golf bag, such as an expensive grafite driver that he once bought. Sometimes he would leave early and take those clubs out to the driving range or to the practice green in order to get some extra shots in before playing. Sometimes he would even take the clubs out of the garage and down to Florida during family vacations or to Arizona or Nevada for golf trips with his friends. But none of this was very helpful- not the expensive golf clubs, not the extra practice or lessons, not the golf trips. Alas, my father almost always shot around 100. On particularly bad days, he would go up to 110 or he would stop counting his shots. On great days he would be down to 95 or 96. But the amazing thing to me, now that I stop to think about it for the first time, is that I never really saw my father get mad or frustrated at his poor play or at the reality that he could never ever become a good golfer. (And I was out on the golf course a lot of times with him.) My father loved to be outside and on the golf course, he got excited when he made a great shot, and he just didn?t care at all about being great. Son Tom D. (not everyone would consider this as such a great tribute, but I certainly do. I really do)"

"When talking to my grandpa I most looked forward to the memories he would share with us and the hilarious anecdotes he?d seemingly pull out of thin air. Some classics include understanding that a faulty light post is not just a broken light post, but God winking at you; each burp being followed with a polite ?bow-wow?; the story of how his time in the military came to an end, or the adventures he and grandma would go on. Celebrating his life this past weekend, I realized just how much Influence his love for others and nature has played in who I am today and feel peace knowing his spirit can survive through family and friends in these ways. Love you grandpa Joe! "

"I am so sorry I did not learn of Joe's passing until after the services. He was such a great attorney and great person. I always enjoyed every transaction with him. He was a true gentleman. I only knew his two daughters who worked with him. They showed such love and respect for him over the years. While his family was blessed to have him in their lives for so ling, I am sure he will leave a void. I hope their memories of him help them heal and remind them of all the good times. We need more attorneys of his character. Don Crumb"

"I am so sorry I did not learn of Joe's passing until after the services. He was such a great attorney and great person. I always enjoyed every transaction with him. He was a true gentleman. I only knew his two daughters who worked with him. They showed such love and respect for him over the years. While his family was blessed to have him in their lives for so ling, I am sure he will leave a void. I hope their memories of him help them heal and remind them of all the good times. We need more attorneys of his character. Don Crumb"

"I'm very gratefull to you, Joe, for being so understanding and wise. I will never forget you telling me "nobody could know" such a nice way to lift weight out of who ever shoulder's are heavy, thank you. Also, I think that your way to be runs in our small family, I think that Tom takes after you, so does Michael, hope they grow a soul as big as yours. Jackie is very strong, she will be fine, and your kids little by little are getting to terms with your decision. Freeing yourself, without pain, without struggle, just flying away. I hope by now you are with your loveones that left before. If you happen to see my parents, my mom and my pap, tell them please that we miss them always, and that we are fine. Sending you with love Daughter in law Rosa Idalia"

"Dearest Jackie, Rachel and I send you deepest condolences upon Joe?s passing. His was a marvelous life of helping others as a devoted family man, thru his law practice and thru his faith. You two were a superlative couple who welcomed us into the Colamarino/ DeMaria/ Cottone family in 1981. Joe?s kindness and yours extended to my parents who stayed at your Rochester home many times for the fabulous family Christmas celebrations. I am glad Joe?s life was fittingly celebrated today. With Lots of love, Katrin and Rachel "

"Joseph A: Just a note to say I'm sorry for your loss and I'm thinking of you and your family. I had the chance to meet your Dad a couple of times over the years...I think most recently at the Bonnies basketball 100/50 year anniversary dinner(if memory serves me correctly). Super guy and great Bonaventure man. He will be missed. Take care, Joe! Hope to see you soon. Regards, Pat Doyle"

"Joe D, GODSPEED Ben Greco"

"My most beloved "Papa D". I don't think I can actually put all my feelings together here, as you and Ii shared such a special bond! From that very first Thanksgiving together I came to meet the parents, I gotta say I was a little nervous, which is very rare. But, you and ?Mama D? welcomed me with open arms , eased my mind & nerves. Oh & by the way you carved that Turkey like a pro & from then always did since we shared Thanksgivings together. We spent so many times together, so many vacations & always always every single person you spoke to or interacted with called you ?Mr. Wonderfully? in Greece, Brazil & even Argentina! Everyone, everywhere we went! What an imprint your footprints have left on every single persons heart you?ve touched! You are and always will be my ?Papa D? I love you forever & you?ll always be in my heart until we meet again. Please introduce yourself to my mom & dad. They are probably waiting for you with open arms and have a glass of blue label! Forever your ?Viviana Bella? ??"

"To my special Uncle Joe, you always told me that you were standing in the shoes of my father. You exceeded in that role and I am forever grateful. Ci vediamo."

"My Uncle Joe is the reason I went to St. Bonaventure...one of the best decisions of my life. His loyalty and commitment to Bonas was truly amazing! Im sure the Friars in heaven welcomed him with open arms! Whenever I saw him he would say "There's my Bonnies girl!" I will miss his laugh, positivity, and his unique way of looking at life. Ti amo, Uncle Joe."

"Uncle Joe was everything good in this world - an extraordinary presence and always a positive word. I remember he would be sure to contact me on my "feast day" in October - - a man of God, the Angels, and the Saints. I will never forget you, Uncle Joe. "

"Joe, this is not a sad goodbye but rather a celebration of your life. You lived it to the very end, Your Way. We will never forget our times together when you made us feel just like your family. Sharing a special drink at Joe and Vivi's wedding gave us the nickname of "Blue". You will always be Blue to us. As you proceed to the next and eternal life as promised to us, remember that Jesus promised to have a special mansion in His house, prepared just for you. (St. John 14:2-3). We know you have already claimed that promise. Have a blessed trip, Rich and Ann."